Vehicle exterior mirror system with light module

ABSTRACT

A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly and a light module disposed thereat. The light module includes a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light in a generally forwardly direction with respect to the vehicle. The light module includes at least one turn signal indicator illumination source that, at least responsive to an activation of a turn signal by the driver of the equipped vehicle, is operable to emit light in a generally sidewardly and/or rearwardly direction with respect to the vehicle. The light module includes a light piping element and the turn signal indicator illumination source is disposed at an inboard end of the light piping element and the light piping element guides light emanating from the turn signal indicator illumination source along the light piping element and out an outboard end of the light piping element.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the filing benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication, Ser. No. 61/645,959, filed May 11, 2012, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The presentapplication is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1747),which claims the filing benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No.61/388,747, filed Oct. 1, 2010, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exterior mirrors for vehicles and, moreparticularly, to a lighted exterior mirror assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide illumination or light sources at the side of thevehicle, such as to provide security lighting or convenience lighting atthe side of the vehicle. For example, such lighting devices aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,349,450; 6,550,103; 5,371,659; 5,669,699;5,823,654; and 5,497,305, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. Typically, such lighting devices provideillumination along the side of the vehicle and down to the ground at theside of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an illumination module or device for avehicle, such as for an exterior rearview mirror assembly. Theillumination module provides a forward lighting and/or forward turnlighting function via a plurality of illumination sources, such as aplurality of light emitting diodes or the like, disposed in theillumination module.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a lighted exteriorrearview mirror system of a vehicle comprises an exterior rearviewmirror assembly and a light module disposed at the exterior rearviewmirror assembly. The light module comprises a plurality of illuminationsources operable to emit light. The illumination sources include aplurality of controlled, such as individually controlled, forward facinglights that are responsive to a user input to provide a user selected orcustomized illumination pattern or beam direction emanating from theexterior rearview mirror assembly. The illumination sources also includeat least one turn signal indicator light and the light module isoperable to emit light sidewardly and/or rearwardly of the vehicle whenthe turn signal indicator light is activated. The light module isdisposed at least partially at a forward portion of the mirror casing ofthe exterior rearview mirror assembly and light emanating from the turnsignal indicator light is viewable by a person viewing the mirrorassembly from the front of the vehicle.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of thepresent invention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle exterior rearview mirrorassembly having a lighting module in accordance with the presentinvention, shown with the forward lighting lights of the forwardlighting module activated;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the vehicle exterior rearviewmirror assembly of FIG. 1, shown with the turn signal light of thelighting module activated;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the vehicle exterior rearviewmirror assembly of FIG. 1, shown with the forward lighting lights andthe turn signal light of the lighting module activated;

FIG. 3A is a rear elevation of the vehicle exterior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 1, with a backlit logo viewable at the outboard end ofthe lighting module so as to be backlit when the turn signal light ofthe lighting module is activated;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mirror housing with a lighting moduledisposed thereat in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the housing of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the housing and lighting module of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is another exploded view of the housing and lighting module ofFIG. 4, showing a similar view as FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the housing and lighting module of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is another exploded view of the housing and lighting module ofFIG. 4, showing a similar view as FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views of a light pipe and lens cover of thelighting module of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a mirror housing with another lighting moduledisposed thereat in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the housing and lighting module of FIG.13;

FIG. 15 is another exploded view of the housing and lighting module ofFIG. 13, showing a similar view as FIG. 14; and

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of another light pipe and lenscover of the lighting module of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depictedtherein, a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 is mountable ata door of a vehicle and includes a light module 12 (FIGS. 1-3). Lightmodule 12 is disposed at or received in a recess or aperture 14 a of themirror casing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 14 a isestablished or formed at least partially at a forward facing portion 14b of mirror casing 14, which faces generally forwardly in the directionof travel of the vehicle when the exterior rearview mirror assembly 10is normally mounted at the side of the vehicle, and extends towards orto a side portion of the mirror casing 14. The light module 12 includesa plurality of forward lighting illumination sources 16, such as lightemitting diodes or the like, and at least one turn signal indicatingillumination source 17, such as at least one light emitting diode or thelike, and the light module is configured to emit illumination in agenerally forwardly and/or sidewardly and/or rearwardly direction whenelectrically powered. The forward facing illumination sources may beindependently and selectively energized at selected or varyingintensities to provide a selectable range and intensity of illuminationgenerally forwardly and/or sidewardly and/or rearwardly of the vehicle,such as in response to a user input disposed in the passengercompartment or cabin of the vehicle, as discussed below. The forwardfacing illumination sources thus may be used as a selectively directedspotlight or a spotlight that is directed or adjusted responsive to anobject detection system or the like or optionally the light sources mayfunction as a supplemental headlight used to improve lighting generallyforwardly and at the side of the vehicle when the driver is turning thevehicle while traveling in a forwardly direction, such as when making aturn at an intersection or the like. The light module may utilizeaspects of the light modules described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1747),which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thelight module 12 includes a light guiding or directing or reflectingelement or reflector 20 and a light piping and cover element 22, whichare configured to provide the desired or selected or appropriateillumination when either or both of the forward lighting illuminationsources and/or the turn signal indicator illumination sources areactivated or energized, as discussed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, light module 12 includes four forwardlighting illumination sources 16, which may comprise four (or more orless) white light-emitting light emitting diodes, and which are disposedon a support element 18 (FIGS. 5-9), such as a plate or circuit board orthe like. The light reflecting element 20 has a plurality of openings 20a-d that generally align with the individual forward lightingillumination sources and that is configured to guide or direct orreflect illumination emitted by the forward lighting illuminationsources generally forwardly in the direction of travel of the vehicleand/or generally sidewardly of the vehicle. The light reflecting elementmay comprise any suitable materials, such as a reflector coated orcolored plastic or polycarbonate element or a stamped metallic elementor the like.

Optionally, the reflecting element may reflect the light to direct ornarrow the emitted light to a narrowed or focused beam of lightemanating from the light module. For example, the round cone reflectorsmay comprise any suitable shape and may be formed to direct the lightemitted by the illumination source or LED towards a target (for example,the light emitted by the LED may have a field of illumination of about120 degrees or more and the reflector may direct or focus theillumination to a field of about 45 degrees or less, depending on theparticular application and desired beams of illumination). Optionally,the reflectors and/or illumination sources may be adjustable to adjustthe field of illumination of the illumination sources (such as by movingtowards or away from the illumination sources or reflectors) to providean adjustable beam of illumination.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 5-9, light module 12 may include aheat sink or heat dissipating structure 34 disposed at or near thesupport element 18 and illumination sources 16. In the illustratedembodiment, the heat dissipating structure 34 comprises a plurality offins or ribs 34 a that extend away from the support structure toincrease the surface area at the rear of the support structure toenhance the dissipation of heat that is generated by the illuminationsources 16 (when energized or powered) at the support element 18. As canbe seen with reference to FIG. 5, the heat dissipating structure 34 isdisposed inside the mirror casing 14, such as in a cavity within themirror casing, and optionally the mirror casing may be vented to enhancecooling or heat dissipation at the illumination sources and supportelement and heat dissipating structure. The heat dissipating structuremay comprise a separate element that is disposed at or attached at therear of the support structure (such as via adhesive or the like and in amanner that facilitates heat transfer or heat conductivity between theillumination sources at the support structure to the fins or ribs of theheat dissipating structure. Optionally, the heat dissipating structuremay be integrally formed with the support structure. The heatdissipating structure may comprise any suitable thermally conductivematerial, such as a metallic material or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light reflecting element 20 has four apertures20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, and may be configured to direct or reflect theemitted illumination (emitted by the respective illumination sources)generally forwardly in a forward direction of travel of the equippedvehicle. Optionally, the light reflecting element and light module maybe configured to have the central apertures 20 b, 20 c direct theemitted illumination generally forwardly in a forward direction oftravel of the equipped vehicle, while the inboard aperture or reflectingportion 20 a may be angled to direct illumination forwardly andgenerally inboard toward the side of the vehicle, and the outboardaperture or reflecting portion 20 d may be angled to direct illuminationforwardly and generally outboard away from the side of the vehicle.Thus, the light module may direct illumination forwardly and sidewardlyat the side of the vehicle to provide a wide band of illumination at therespective side of the vehicle and thus may assist the driver inundertaking the forward turning maneuver and/or in illuminating a regionselected by the driver (and responsive to a user input that controls theappropriate illumination sources to provide the selected or desired beamof light).

Optionally, and desirably, the individual light sources of the forwardlighting light 16 may be individually controlled or powered to provideenhanced lighting at a desired area or region and reduced lighting atother areas. For example, if it is desired to provide greaterillumination outboard away from the side of the vehicle, the outboardillumination source at outboard light reflecting portion 20 d may beactivated or operated or energized at an increased power level and theinboard illumination source at inboard light reflecting portion 20 a maybe deactivated or operated or energized at a reduced power level (andoptionally the intermediate or central illumination sources at thecentral light reflecting portions 20 b, 20 c may be powered or notpowered depending on the overall light intensity desired for theparticular lighting application).

Light module 12 also includes turn signal indicator illumination source17, which may comprise one or two (or more) white or preferably coloredlight-emitting light emitting diodes (such as an amber colored lightemitting diode or the like), which are disposed on a support element 19(FIGS. 5-9), such as a plate or circuit board or the like. The turnsignal indicator illumination source 17 is disposed at a light receivingend or region of a light pipe and cover element 22 that guides the lightemanating from the turn signal indicator illumination source 17 alongthe light module and out an outboard end region of the light module forviewing by a person to the side and/or rear of the subject vehicle.

The light pipe and cover element or lens element or translucent orvisible light-transmitting cover panel or element 22 is disposed atand/or over the light reflecting element 20 and the support elements 18and 19 and illumination sources 16 and 17. The light pipe and coverelement 22 may be formed to generally correspond with the contours orcurvature of the mirror casing 14 of mirror assembly 10 at the aperture14 a or may protrude partially from the outer surface of the mirrorcasing, such as shown in FIG. 5. The light piping and cover element 22allows the illumination emitted by the illumination sources 16 and 17and reflected or directed or guided by the light reflecting element 20and/or the light piping and cover element 22 (which may comprise thelikes of a light pipe or light conduit that acts as a light conductorutilizing the likes of total internal reflection) to pass through thelight piping and cover element 22 (which may comprise a transparent ortranslucent or light transmitting plastic or acrylic or polycarbonatematerial or lens or cover element or the like) so as to illuminate anarea or direct illumination towards an area forward and/or sidewardand/or rearward of the mirror assembly and/or of the vehicle (dependingon which of the light sources is/are activated). The light pipe andcover element thus may provide or include or cooperate to provide alight piping or guiding function to direct visible light emitted by theillumination sources in a desired or appropriate direction to illuminatethe desired area forward and/or sideward of the equipped vehicle, asdiscussed below.

As best shown in FIGS. 10-12, light pipe and cover element 22 comprisesa plastic element having a base or plate or mounting portion 24, anouter cover portion 26 and a light piping portion 28, which are allintegrally or unitarily molded or formed together. Mounting portion 24may be disposed at an inner surface of the mirror casing when the lightmodule is attached at the mirror assembly, with the outer cover portion26 of light pipe and cover element 22 partially protruding through theaperture 14 a in the mirror casing 14 so as to be viewable at theaperture, with its outboard end protruding from the outer surface of themirror casing (as shown in FIG. 5). The light piping portion 28 isconfigured to receive light emanating from the turn signal indicatorlight source 17 at its inboard end 28 a and to direct or pipe the lightalong the element 22 and out an outboard end 28 b of light pipingportion 28, which is at the outboard exposed end 26 a of the outer coverportion 26. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the light piping and cover elementmay comprise a unitary structure that may be molded of a polymeric orplastic material, such as a clear plastic or acrylic material or thelike.

Optionally, the light piping portion 28 of light pipe and cover element22 of light module 12 may include indicating ribs or facets or recessesor textured elements or indicating elements or indication elements 30that are illuminated and glow or reflect light when the turn signalindicator light source 17 is activated, such that the ribs or elements30 glow or stand out when the turn signal indicator LED or LEDs is/areactivated or energized so that a person viewing the mirror assembly fromthe front of the vehicle can see when the turn signal indicator light isactivated, even in high ambient lighting conditions. The ribs orelements 30 may comprise notches or grooves established (such as duringthe molding process) along the rear surface of the light piping portionso as to provide a reflecting surface or light collecting element in thelight piping portion that impinges on the light path of the lightemanating from the turn signal indicator light source 17 as the lightpasses along the light piping portion 28. The ribs or elements 30 areformed as part of the light pipe and cover element 22, and comprise aclear or translucent plastic material that reflects the light emanatingfrom turn signal indicator light source 17 as the light is guided alongthe light piping portion 28 towards the outboard end of the lightmodule, and thus provide a greater intensity light indicator that isviewable from the front of the mirror assembly and vehicle. Theplurality of ribs or elements 30 established in the light piping portion28 are spaced along the rear surface of the light piping portion and, asbest shown in FIG. 10, the rear surface may have non-ribbed ornon-textured or smooth portions 32 that generally coincide with or alignwith the individual light emitting diodes of the forward facing lightsource 16 when the light module is assembled.

Thus, when the light module 12 is assembled, the turn signal indicatorlight source 17 is disposed generally at inboard end 28 a of lightpiping portion 28 of light piping and cover element 22 (such as at ornear the end of the cover element that is inboard or closest to the sideof the vehicle at which the mirror assembly is mounted), while theindividual LEDs of the forward lighting light source 16 are disposed atand behind the non-ribbed or non-textured portions 32 of the lightpiping portion 28. The light pipe and cover element 22 functions toguide the light emitted by the illumination source 17 sidewardly and outof the opposite or outboard end of the light pipe and cover element 22(and at a location where the outer cover portion 26 protrudes or isproud of the mirror casing 14, such that light emanating from the end 28b of the light pipe portion 28 is directed generally sidewardly (andoptionally rearwardly) of the vehicle so as to be viewable by a personviewing the mirror assembly from a vehicle at the side and/or rearwardof the subject or host or equipped vehicle. The light piping portion 28thus guides light emanating from the turn signal indicator light source17 from a location inside the mirror casing (at inboard end 28 a oflight piping portion 28) to a location outside the mirror casing (atoutboard end 28 b of light piping portion 28), while also illuminatingthe ribs or elements 30 so that a person viewing the mirror assemblyfrom the front and/or side and/or rear of the mirror assembly can seewhen the turn signal indicator light source is activated, such as inresponse to the driver of the subject vehicle activating a turn signalof the vehicle.

Although shown and described as having generally vertically orientedribs and generally circular shaped non-ribbed or non-textured or smoothportions, the light piping and cover element may comprise any suitableindication structure or elements and any suitably-shaped smooth ornon-ribbed portions, while remaining within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 13-17, alight module 112 includes a light guiding or directing or reflectingelement or reflector 120 and a light piping and cover element 122, whichare configured to provide the desired or selected or appropriateillumination when either or both of the forward lighting illuminationsources 116 (disposed on support element or circuit board 118) and/orthe turn signal indicator illumination sources 117 (disposed on supportelement or circuit board 119) are activated or energized, such as in asimilar manner as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, thelight piping portion 128 of the light pipe and cover element 122 oflight module 112 includes indicating ribs or facets or textured elementsor indicating elements or indication elements 130, while the non-ribbedor smooth portion or channel portion 132 comprises a channel orgenerally linear region along the light piping portion that is generallylinearly aligned with the illumination sources 116 and openings 120 a-d.The channel portion 132 thus divides or separates or demarcates thefacets or ribs or indication elements 130 into two separate arrays ofturn signal optical facets or indication elements along the upper andlower regions of the light module. The light module 112 may otherwise besubstantially similar to light module 12, discussed above, such that adetailed discussion of the light modules need not be repeated herein.

Similar to light module 12, the light pipe and cover element 122comprises a plastic element having a base or plate or mounting portion124, an outer cover portion 126 and a light piping portion 128, whichare all integrally or unitarily molded or formed together. The lightpiping portion 128 is configured to receive light emanating from theturn signal indicator light source 117 at its inboard end 128 a and todirect or pipe the light along the element 122 and out an outboard end128 b of light piping portion 128, which is at the outboard exposed end126 a of the outer cover portion 126. Optionally, the light module 112may include a heat sink or heat dissipating structure 134 (having aplurality of fins or ribs 134 a) disposed at or near the support element118 and illumination sources 116.

Thus, and as shown in FIG. 1, when one or more of the light emittingdiodes of the forward lighting illumination source 16 are activated, thelight module 12 provides a forwardly directed and/or sidewardly directedand/or selectively directed beam of light (such as responsive to a userinput and/or such as in a similar manner as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011 (Attorney DocketDON09 P-1747), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety). As shown in FIG. 2, when the turn signal indicator lightsource 17 is activated, the light module may be viewed as a coloredstrip or a plurality of colored elements or ribs (due to colored lightemitted by the turn signal indicator light source reflecting along thelight piping portion and reflecting off of the ribs or notches formed inthe light piping portion) from the front of the mirror assembly andvehicle, and the light module may emit light (from the outboard end ofthe light guiding element and cover panel) for viewing by a person inanother vehicle at the side and/or rear of the subject vehicle. As shownin FIG. 3, when both the forward facing illumination source 16 and theturn signal indicator illumination source 17 are activated, the lightmodule may have the colored appearance, with white light emanating fromthe individual actuated LEDs of the forward facing illumination source16. Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 3A, the outboard end 12 a of thelight module 12 (such as at the outboard end of the light piping portionor element) may have an icon or logo or indicia established thereat sothat the icon is backlit and thus viewable to a person viewing themirror assembly (such as from the side or rear of the vehicle) when theturn signal indicator light source is activated.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 5, the outboard end 26 a of the coverportion 26 of the light module may be exposed at the outboard region ofthe mirror casing and/or may protrude outwardly from the casing.Optionally, the light pipe and cover element 22 may have an icon orindicia established at the end 26 a of the cover portion 26. Thus, whenthe turn signal indicator light source 17 is activated, the lightemanating therefrom is guided or piped along the light module andfunctions to backlight the icon so as to provide a backlit iconisticelement that is viewable by a person viewing the outboard end or regionof the mirror assembly, such as from another vehicle at the side of orrearward of the subject vehicle. Optionally, the icon may comprise avehicle manufacturer logo or vehicle model logo or any suitable ordesired icon or indicia to provide the desired indicator for the mirrorassembly, depending on the particular application of the mirror assemblyand light module. The backlit icon and light module may utilize aspectsof the light modules and assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos.8,333,492; 5,371,659, 5,669,699, 5,823,654 and 5,497,305, and/or U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011 (AttorneyDocket DON09 P-1747); and/or Ser. No. 13/674,458, filed Nov. 12, 2012(Attorney Docket DON09 P-1837), which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spotlight or forward lighting supportelement or circuit board 18 may be attached at the rear side or surfaceof the light reflecting element 20, such as via a snap connection orfastenerless connection or the like. Likewise, the turn signal supportelement or circuit board 19 may be attached at the side or end surfaceof the light pipe and cover element 22, such as via a snap connection orfastenerless connection or the like. Also, the cover element 22 may beattached at the front side or surface of the light reflecting element20, such as via a snap connection or fastenerless connection or thelike. Optionally, an outer casing or housing may attach at the rear ofthe base or mounting portion 24 of cover element 22 to house and sealthe circuit boards 18, 19 and circuitry inside the light module. Thelight module 12 thus may comprise a unitary module that may be readilyattached to the mirror assembly at the aperture 14 a of mirror casing14, such as via a snap connection or fastenerless connection or the like(or via one or more fasteners, depending on the particular applicationof the light module).

Optionally, electrical connection may be made between the circuit boards18 and/or 19 (or circuitry or electrical connectors thereat or thereof)and one or more electrical connectors of the mirror assembly or vehiclethat are disposed in or at the mirror casing at or near the aperture 14a when the light module is installed in the mirror assembly. The lightmodule 12 thus may be electrically connected to a power source and/orcontrol of the vehicle or mirror assembly, whereby the illuminationsources 16 may be powered or unpowered or controlled via a controlcircuit of the mirror assembly or of the vehicle. Optionally, the lightmodule may be mechanically secured within the pocket or recess oropening at the mirror casing, such as via a snap connection or fasteneror the like, and may be electrically connected to a vehicle controlsystem and/or vehicle power source. Optionally, the electricalconnection and mechanical connection of the self-contained light modulemay be made as the light module is snapped or otherwise inserted ormounted or attached to the mirror casing of the mirror assembly, such asby utilizing aspects of the accessory modules described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,669,267; 6,969,101; 6,824,281; and/or 7,188,963, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. When snapped orotherwise secured to the mirror assembly, the exterior surface of thelight module may generally or substantially correspond to the contoursof the mirror casing or housing of the mirror assembly so as to besubstantially flush mounted at the mirror assembly and/or a portion ofthe light module may protrude outwardly from the exterior surface of themirror casing so as to enhance viewability of the turn signal indicatorlight to a person viewing the mirror assembly from the side and/or rearof the subject vehicle. Optionally, the lighted exterior rearview mirrorassembly may comprise a breakaway mirror assembly having a folding ormovable portion (that houses or supports the reflective element) and anon-folding part or portion (that attaches to the side of the vehicleequipped with the mirror assembly). In the illustrated embodiment, thelight module is disposed at the folding part of the mirror assembly (andis disposed partially within the mirror housing or casing of the foldingpart), but optionally the light module may be disposed at thenon-folding part of the exterior rearview mirror assembly (such as at alower region of the non-folding mirror part or at a forward region ofthe non-folding mirror part or the like), while remaining within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the illumination sources 16 and/or 17 may comprise dual-dyelight emitting diodes and, responsive to a selected voltage or signal,may emit white light (such as responsive to a signal generated inresponse to actuation of the user input in the vehicle) or may emitamber (or other desired color) light (such as responsive to a signalgenerated in response to actuation of the vehicle turn signal actuator).Optionally, for example, the light module may operate in conjunctionwith or corresponding to a selected custom color for the interiorlighting of the vehicle (such as MYCOLOR® offered by Ford MotorCompany), whereby the illumination color emitted by the illuminationsources of the exterior mirror light module may be selected orcustomized by the user to a desired color or color combination.

The illumination sources 16 (such as the four or six or any otherdesired or appropriate number of white light-emitting light emittingdiodes or the like) may be controlled using pulse width modulation(PWM). Optionally, by varying the duty cycle of the individualillumination sources, the light module, when activated, can create theimpression that the light is begin adjusted horizontally (such as viaindividual control of the intensities of the individual illuminationsources). Optionally, it is envisioned that the light module may besteerable or aimed via mechanical means, such as via adjusting theorientation of the individual illumination sources or via moving oradjusting the reflector or light guiding element or the like, such as inresponse to a user input as discussed below.

Optionally, the light module 12 may be responsive to a user input withinthe vehicle cabin, such as at the instrument panel of the vehicle (andsuch as in a similar manner as described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1747),which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Theuser input may comprise a dial or knob or electrical switch that isadjusted to a number of different settings. Thus, when the light moduleis activated (such as via actuation of an “on/off” switch or input inthe vehicle cabin), the user or driver of the vehicle may control oradjust the user input to select a desired or appropriate lightingconfiguration or illumination pattern emitted by the illuminationsources 16 of light module 12. For example, the user input may comprisea dial or knob that is rotated by the user in either direction from acenter or “full on” setting to either the right direction (to illuminatethe inboard LEDs of the driver side mirror more than the outboard LEDsof the driver side mirror) or the left direction (to illuminate theoutboard LEDs of the driver side mirror more than the inboard LEDs ofthe driver side mirror). The user thus can pan the principalillumination beam left to right and right to left via adjustment of theknob or dial or user input. For example, the user input may beselectively adjusted to any one of about fifty positions (or more orless depending on the particular application and desired adjustability),whereby each LED or illumination source may be energized to apredetermined level responsive to the particular setting or position ofthe user input. The lighting system may include a control ormicroprocessor on the circuit board of the light module or elsewhere inor at the mirror or vehicle, and the control may be responsive to thesignal from the user input and operable to power one or more of theillumination sources in accordance with a the selected input or settingor position of the user input. Optionally, the user input may also beset to a “full on” position or setting whereby all four or sixillumination sources (or any other number of illumination sources, suchas more than two LEDs, such as eight or ten LEDs, but preferably lessthan about 20 LEDs, depending on the particular application) may beoperated or energized at or near a 100 percent level or intensity.

Optionally, it is envisioned that the light module may include a twodimensional array of illumination sources (such as two or more rows ofillumination sources, such as two rows of three LEDs or the like), andthe user input may comprise a toggle or joystick type control, whereby auser may direct or adjust or control or aim an illumination pattern orprincipal illumination beam to direct light upward and/or downward aswell as forward/sideward, to provide a desired or selected illuminationpattern by the vehicle. The joystick control may be similar to a controlor input for adjustment of the exterior mirror reflective element, andmay be at or near the exterior mirror controls so that the user mayreadily understand what control function the control or input provides.Optionally, a light module may be disposed at each of the driver sideand passenger side mirror assemblies, and each light module may beassociated with a respective control or user input or a single userinput or control may selectively control a selected one of the lightmodules (such as via a selection switch similar to the selectionswitches used to select which reflective element actuator is controlledby a mirror adjustment control).

Thus, the illumination sources of the light module 12 may be selectivelyactuated or energized to provide a desired illumination pattern at theside and forwardly of the vehicle (so that the user of the vehicle mayselectively activate and “steer” or aim a principal illumination beamtoward a desired or selected or targeted area). Optionally, theillumination pattern when all of the illumination sources are poweredmay encompass a region that includes a forward portion of the vehicleand that extends partially rearward of the rearview mirror at which thelight module is installed (such as a range of at least about 120degrees, more preferably at least about 130 degrees with four LEDs andat least about 155 degrees with six LEDs, such as from about 10 degreesor more rearward to about 20 degrees or more beyond the longitudinalaxis of the vehicle). Actuation or energization of fewer than all of theillumination sources may adjust the illumination pattern to encompassany subset or sub-region of the overall illumination area, depending onthe desired illumination direction and intensity for the particularapplication. The light module and lighting system of the presentinvention thus may provide a selectable and adjustable and customizablelighting pattern for a driver or user of the vehicle so as to provide adesired illumination pattern for any given situation. For example, thelighting system of the present invention may be highly suitable for usein camping applications (such as to provide or direct light to assist inlate night setting up of a tent or camp fire or the like) or farmingapplications (such as to provide or direct light to assist in herdinganimals or land surveillance or the like) or construction applications(such as to provide or direct light to assist in road repair or landsurveillance or the like) or vehicle maintenance applications (such asto provide or direct light to assist in changing a tire or generalvehicle inspection or the like) or tailgating or the like. The driver ofthe vehicle thus may readily adjust the control or user input within thevehicle to adjust or select or customize the intensity of the beamand/or the pointing and/or principal axis of the beam so as to provide,for example, localized illumination/interrogation of a given objectand/or location and/or scene exterior of the vehicle in an up to 180degree arc relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

The present invention thus provides a customizable or adjustable or usercontrollable spotlight at the exterior rearview mirror assembly, suchthat a user, sitting in the vehicle cabin, can direct illuminationtowards a desired or targeted region or area or object generallyforwardly and/or sidewardly of the vehicle. The aiming and/orillumination and/or type of pattern or illumination beam can be userselected or customized or may be responsive to an object detection orother auto detection device (such as an imaging sensor or camera, orradar sensor, or ultrasonic sensor, or infrared sensor or the like) soas to provide enhanced illumination of a detected object to enhanceimaging of a detected object and/or identification of a detected objectforwardly and/or sidewardly of the vehicle.

The user selected illumination range or light pattern may be selected orcustomized to any desired pattern or intensity within the overallillumination range, or may be directed sideward of the vehicle when thelight module is disposed in a foldable or breakaway mirror assembly(such as a powerfold mirror assembly or the like) and when the mirror isin its folded orientation. For example, the light module may provide aside area illumination feature when the exterior mirror (such as apowerfold exterior mirror) is folded inward to its folded orientation.When the mirror is folded in this manner, the illumination sources ofthe light module may all be actuated or energized to a desired orselected intensity to provide a side area illumination pattern along theside of the vehicle. The light module may provide such a side arealighting feature automatically in response to a passive entry system orkey fob signal or the like, so as to provide side area illumination whenthe driver of the vehicle approaches the vehicle. For example, when thesystem detects the approach of the driver, such as responsive to apassive entry system or responsive to receiving a key fob signal or thelike, the system may fold or pivot the mirror head to the foldedorientation and actuate the illumination sources of the light module, inorder to provide illumination at the side of the vehicle. Optionally,the system may only provide such side illumination when the system alsodetects a low ambient lighting condition, such as responsive to anambient light sensor of the mirror assembly or vehicle. Optionally, thesystem may provide such a side illumination feature responsive to userinputs in the cabin of the vehicle, such as via a powerfold actuatorswitch and user inputs, discussed above. Optionally, the light module orlighting system may be used or energized in combination with otherlighting sources of the vehicle and/or the mirror assembly, such aswith, for example, a ground illumination light of the mirror assembly ordoor handle of the vehicle and/or a cargo lamp of the vehicle and/or thelike.

Optionally, the exterior rearview mirror assembly may include a cameraor imaging sensor that may be part of a multi-camera system, such as anobject detection system or a surround view or “bird's eye view” displaysystem or a Japan View™ vision system or the like (now common inexterior mirrors used in Japan where a video camera is located in theexterior mirror assembly at the side of a vehicle and viewing generallydownwardly to allow the driver of the vehicle to view on aninterior-cabin mounted video screen whether the likes of a child mightbe present in the blindzone to the side of the vehicle), such as byutilizing aspects of the vision systems described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/333,337, filed Dec. 21, 2011 (Attorney DocketDON01 P-1797), and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US10/25545, filed Feb. 26,2010 and published Sep. 2, 2010 as International Publication No.WO/2010/099416, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US10/47256, filed Aug.31, 2010 and published Mar. 10, 2011 as International Publication No. WO2011/028686, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/CA 12/000378, filed Apr. 25,2012 and published Nov. 1, 2012 as International Publication No.WO/2012/145822, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/062834, filed Dec.1, 2011 and published Jun. 7, 2012 as International Publication No.WO2012/075250, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/048993, filed Jul.31, 2012 and published Feb. 7, 2013 as International Publication No. WO2013/019795, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US11/62755, filed Dec. 1,2011 and published Jun. 7, 2012 as International Publication No. WO2012-075250, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/066571, filed Nov.27, 2012 (Attorney Docket MAG04 FP-1961(PCT)), and/or PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2012/068331, filed Dec. 7, 2012 (Attorney Docket MAG04FP-1967(PCT)), and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/022119, filed Jan.18, 2013 (Attorney Docket MAG04 FP-1997(PCT)), which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Thus, themulti-camera vision system may provide a video display of imagescaptured by an exterior mirror-mounted camera and may function to detectthe presence of an object or child or the like at the side of thevehicle (and/or forwardly and/or rearward of the vehicle). The lightmodule of the present invention can be used in conjunction with such avision system to have its principal illumination beam directed towardsthe area within the field of view of the camera to enhance imagingand/or to enhance detection and/or identification and/or interrogationof objects in the camera's field of view generally at the side of thevehicle and optionally forwardly and/or rearwardly of the vehicle.

Optionally, the illumination sources may be automatically powered oractivated or controlled in response to activation of the vehicleheadlamps and/or in response to a signal indicative of the vehicleturning (such as a steering wheel angle or the like). For example, theillumination sources of a light module in a drivers side exteriorrearview mirror assembly may be automatically actuated in response to acondition that involves (a) the headlights of the vehicle being on, (b)the vehicle being in a forward gear or the gear actuator being in aforward gear position, and (c) the vehicle undertaking a forward leftturn or the driver actuating a turn signal of the vehicle. Optionally,the illumination sources may be actuated in response to an ambient lightsensor that generates a signal indicative of the ambient light at thevehicle being below a threshold level (such that the illuminationsources are activated in low lighting conditions during a vehicleforward turning maneuver even if the headlamps are not activated). Sucha control system thus may automatically activate or power either lightmodule only when the conditions are appropriate for providingillumination at the respective side of the vehicle so as to assist thedriver in undertaking the forward turning maneuver. Optionally, theillumination sources may also or otherwise be powered or activated orcontrolled in response to a user input or the like, such as a switch orbutton or the like in the vehicle cabin that is accessible by andactuatable by the driver of the vehicle when the driver is normallyoperating the vehicle.

Optionally, the illumination sources 16 (such as the four or six or anyother desired or appropriate number of white light-emitting lightemitting diodes or the like) may be controlled using pulse widthmodulation (PWM). Optionally, by varying the duty cycle of theindividual illumination sources, the light module, when activated, cancreate the impression that the light is begin adjusted horizontally(such as via individual control of the intensities of the individualillumination sources). For example, at the initial onset of a turntowards a particular side of the vehicle, the inboard illuminationsource may be initially powered at a greater intensity relative to thecentral and outboard illumination sources (and optionally one or more ofthese illumination sources may initially not be activated or powered),and then as the turn progresses (such as responsive to an increase insteering wheel angle or the like), the inboard illumination source maybe dimmed while the intensities of the central illumination sources areincreased and as the turn further progresses, the outboard illuminationintensity may be increased, such that, to a person viewing theillumination module at the mirror assembly, the illumination moduleappears to have a light source that is adjusted horizontally from aninboard directing orientation to an outboard directing orientation.Optionally, the light module and/or illumination sources may have adimming control feature or function, such that the illumination sources,when powered or activated, are ramped up or progressively powered up totheir full illumination states, and when unpowered or deactivated, areramped down or dimmed or progressively powered down to their deactivatedstates. Such a dimming control feature provides a smoother transitionwhen progressively illuminating or powering the illumination sources togive the appearance of movement of an illumination source generallyhorizontally during the turning maneuver.

Thus, the light module may comprise a cornering light module or assemblyto provide illumination generally forwardly and sidewardly of thevehicle to provide enhanced illumination during turning maneuvers of thevehicle. The side lighting functions to improve the vision of the driverof the vehicle when turning the vehicle around a corner or curve in theroad. The light module may operate in conjunction with the respectiveturn signal so as to be activated when the turn signal at that side ofthe vehicle is activated. The light module may provide a constantillumination at the side of the vehicle while the turn signal flashes.Optionally, the light module may provide a sideward illumination inresponse to the high beams of the vehicle being activated, in order toprovide additional lighting of the road or shoulder sidewardly of thevehicle and rearward of the area encompassed by the front headlightswhen in their high beam state. In such an application, the sidewardlighting function may be deactivated when the headlights are in theirlow beam state.

Optionally, the illumination sources (such as a row of lights with someof the lights illuminating further sidewardly than some of the otherlights) may illuminate in a progressively outward direction depending onthe position or steering angle of the steering wheel or frontwheels/tires of the vehicle, and then the lights may progressivelydeactivate in the opposite direction as the steering wheel and/orwheels/tires are turned back to a center or straight orientation. Thus,the lights may illuminate a greater sideward area in response to adetection of the vehicle undergoing a sharper turn so as to enhance theviewing by the driver of the area to the side of the vehicle and towardwhere the vehicle is being steered, while limiting sideward illuminationwhen the vehicle is being driven in a generally straight or slightlycurved path.

Optionally, the illumination sources of the light module may emitillumination in response to other triggering or activating devices orevents, such as responsive to a passive entry system or the like of thevehicle so as to provide illumination at the side of the vehicle whenthe driver approaches the vehicle or touches or moves the door handle ofthe vehicle door or actuates a remote keyless entry module or passiveentry device of the vehicle or inserts a key into a keyhole at the dooror door handle or when a motion detector of the vehicle detects a motionat the vehicle, or the like. Optionally, and desirably, the illuminationsource is deactuatable following a period of time after such anactuation of the illumination source. Optionally, the light moduleand/or illumination source or sources may have a dimming control featureor function, such that the illumination source, when activated, isramped up or progressively powered up to its full illumination state,and when deactivated, is ramped down or dimmed or progressively powereddown to its deactivated state.

The illumination source may comprise any suitable illumination source,such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as whitelight-emitting LEDs or high intensity power LEDs (such as the typesdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,381 and/or 6,690,268, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties) or organic lightemitting diodes (OLEDs) or the like. The illumination source maycomprise a substantially white light emitting illumination source, ormay comprise a colored light emitting illumination source (or a whitelight emitting illumination source may emit light that passes through acolor filter or the like) to provide color illumination (such as blue oramber or other color as desired) at the mirror assembly and ground areadepending on the particular application of the mirror assembly andillumination module.

The light module may comprise a small, self-contained module thatincludes the outer cover or casing that substantially encases theillumination source and circuitry of the light module, and may utilizeaspects of the illumination modules described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/249,433, filed Sep. 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1747),and/or U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,492, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. The cover provides an outer wall thatsubstantially corresponds to the contours of the mirror assembly at thelight module such that the mirror assembly has a substantiallycontinuous outer surface or wall at the light module. The light moduleand housing or cover and/or mirror casing may be substantially sealed soas to be substantially impervious to water, dirt, debris and the like,so that the light module is well suited for the exterior application atthe vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly. The outer wall or wallsof the cover may be substantially flush with the outer surface andcontours of the mirror casing of the mirror assembly, and may be coloredso as to substantially match or contrast the color of the mirror casing,depending on the particular application of the mirror assembly and lightmodule.

The housing or cover panel of the light module may be at least partiallyor substantially translucent or transparent at least at the regionscorresponding to or aligned with the light directing or reflectingportions 20 a-d such that illumination emitted via the illuminationsources is transmitted through the cover panel and toward the front areaforward and sidewardly of the mirror assembly at the side of thevehicle. Optionally, the cover panel may provide a diffusing optic ordiffusing effect or frosting to diffuse or spread out the emitted lightto provide substantially uniform illumination and to limit orsubstantially preclude bright spots when the illumination sources areactivated.

Optionally, and desirably, the cover panel may be overmolded over theillumination source or sources and circuitry to provide a substantiallysealed and substantially water impervious illumination module. Forexample, a housing or cover panel may be overmolded over and around ametal stamping or stamped circuit element or plate with the illuminationsource or sources (such as LEDs or the like) fastened thereto orotherwise established thereon, or the housing may be overmolded over andaround a printed circuit board or element with the illumination sourcesestablished thereon.

The light module may be located or established at or in the exteriorsurface or wall of the exterior mirror casing, such as in a metallic orplastic or polymeric portion of the mirror casing. The cover panel ofthe light module may have any desired or suitable exterior finish, suchas a class A surface finish, and may be colored or finished to anydesired or suitable finish, such as a black or dark or colored finish(or the material may be black or dark or colored polymeric or metallicmaterial). Optionally, the cover panel may have a chrome finish orbrushed aluminum finish or the like, such that illumination is providedthrough the chrome or brushed aluminum finished wall or structure of themirror assembly.

Optionally, the illumination module and/or the exterior rearview mirrorassembly may incorporate a blind spot indicator device or element and/ora turn signal indicator device or element, such as by utilizing aspectsof the devices described in U.S. provisional applications, and/or U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,058,977; 7,944,371; 7,626,749; 7,492,281; 7,255,451;6,198,409; 5,929,786; and 5,786,772, and/or U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/187,725, filed Aug. 7, 2008 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1455), whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Thesignal indicator or indication module may include or utilize aspects ofvarious light modules or systems or devices, such as the types describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,581,859; 7,289,037; 6,227,689; 6,582,109; 5,371,659;5,497,306; 5,669,699; 5,823,654; 6,176,602; and/or 6,276,821, and/orU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/226,628, filed Sep. 14, 2005 andpublished Mar. 23, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. US-2006-0061008, and/orPCT Application No. PCT/US2006/018567, filed May 16, 2006 and publishedNov. 23, 2006 as International Publication No. WO 2006/124682, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Optionally,the exterior rearview mirror assembly may include a wide angle reflectorat or integral with the reflective element, such as by utilizing aspectsof the elements described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,748,856; 7,255,451;7,195,381; 6,717,712; 7,126,456; 6,315,419; 7,097,312; and/or 6,522,451,which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Optionally, the illumination module may also comprise a groundillumination light or puddle lamp, which provides downwardly directedillumination (and which may provide a back lit icon or indicia or logoor the like), such as by utilizing aspects of the illumination systemsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,333,492; 5,371,659, 5,669,699, 5,823,654and 5,497,305, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/249,433, filedSep. 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket DON09 P-1747), which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Optionally, theillumination module may comprise a cornering light and a puddle lamp andturn signal light, and may have a wrap-around style turn signal at theexterior mirror that may be fitted with a prism lens or the like toproject light in the appropriate direction and/or toward the targetedlocation. The illumination module thus may include one or moreillumination sources and one or more lenses or optics or light pipes orthe like to distribute or direct illumination toward the appropriatetargeted areas.

Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments maybe carried out without departing from the principles of the presentinvention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw.

1. A lighted exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use in avehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising: alighted exterior rearview mirror assembly; a light module disposed atsaid lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, said light modulecomprising a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light atleast in a generally forwardly direction with respect to a vehicleequipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system; wherein saidillumination sources are controlled responsive to a user input operableby a driver of the equipped vehicle normally operating the equippedvehicle to provide an illumination beam emanating from said exteriorrearview mirror assembly; wherein said light module further comprises atleast one turn signal indicator illumination source and wherein saidturn signal indicator illumination source, at least responsive to anactivation of a turn signal by the driver of the equipped vehicle, isoperable to emit light at least in a generally sidewardly and rearwardlydirection with respect to the equipped vehicle; wherein said lightmodule comprises a light piping element and wherein said turn signalindicator illumination source is disposed at an inboard end of saidlight piping element and wherein said light piping element guides lightemanating from said turn signal indicator illumination source along saidlight piping element and out an outboard end of said light pipingelement so that light emanating from said outboard end of said lightpiping element is viewable to a person viewing said lighted exteriorrearview mirror assembly from at least one of a side of the equippedvehicle and a rear of the equipped vehicle; and wherein said inboard endof said light piping element is disposed inside of a mirror casing ofsaid lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly and said outboard end ofsaid light piping element is disposed outside of said mirror casing. 2.The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein saidlight piping element is part of a cover element that is disposed infront of said illumination sources, whereby light emanating from saidillumination sources passes through said light piping element in aforward direction and light emanating from said turn signal indicatorillumination source is guided in a sideward direction along said lightpiping element.
 3. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim2, wherein said light piping element includes a plurality of indicationelements that illuminate when said turn signal indicator illuminationsource is activated so as to be viewable to a person viewing saidlighted exterior rearview mirror assembly from the front of the equippedvehicle.
 4. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 3,wherein said light piping element includes at least one region that isdevoid of said indication elements and wherein said at least one regionis generally aligned with said illumination sources such that lightemanating from said illumination sources passes through said at leastone region of said light piping element.
 5. The lighted exteriorrearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein said outboard end of saidlight piping element has an icon or indicia established thereat andwherein light emanating from said turn signal indicator illuminationsource backlights said icon or indicia.
 6. The lighted exterior rearviewmirror system of claim 1, wherein said illumination sources areindividually controlled responsive to an object detection system of thevehicle so as to direct an illumination beam towards a detected objectat or near the equipped vehicle.
 7. The lighted exterior rearview mirrorsystem of claim 1, wherein said light module comprises alight-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of illuminationsources and said turn signal indicator illumination source are disposedbehind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light thatpasses through said light-transmitting cover.
 8. The lighted exteriorrearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said light module comprises aheat dissipating structure established at said plurality of illuminationsources to dissipate heat generated by said plurality of illuminationsources.
 9. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1,wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises at least fourlight emitting diodes.
 10. The lighted exterior rearview mirror systemof claim 9, wherein said light emitting diodes comprise whitelight-emitting light emitting diodes.
 11. The lighted exterior rearviewmirror system of claim 9, wherein a control is responsive to said userinput to selectively individually energize said light emitting diodes.12. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim 11, whereinsaid control adjusts a duty cycle of each of said light emitting diodesresponsive to said user input.
 13. The lighted exterior rearview mirrorsystem of claim 12, wherein said control is operable to power all ofsaid light emitting diodes responsive to said user input.
 14. A lightedexterior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle, saidlighted exterior rearview mirror system comprising: a lighted exteriorrearview mirror assembly; a light module disposed at said lightedexterior rearview mirror assembly, said light module comprising aplurality of illumination sources operable to emit light at least in agenerally forwardly direction with respect to a vehicle equipped withsaid lighted exterior rearview mirror system; wherein said plurality ofillumination sources comprises at least four white light-emitting lightemitting diodes; wherein said illumination sources are controlledresponsive to a user input operable by a driver of the equipped vehiclenormally operating the equipped vehicle to provide an illumination beamemanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly; wherein a controlis responsive to said user input to power all of said light emittingdiodes responsive to said user input; wherein said light module furthercomprises at least one turn signal indicator illumination source andwherein said turn signal indicator illumination source, at leastresponsive to an activation of a turn signal by the driver of theequipped vehicle, is operable to emit light at least in a generallysidewardly and rearwardly direction with respect to the equippedvehicle; wherein said light module comprises a light piping element andwherein said turn signal indicator illumination source is disposed at aninboard end of said light piping element and wherein said light pipingelement guides light emanating from said turn signal indicatorillumination source along said light piping element and out an outboardend of said light piping element so that light emanating from saidoutboard end of said light piping element is viewable to a personviewing said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly from at least oneof a side of the equipped vehicle and a rear of the equipped vehicle;and wherein said inboard end of said light piping element is disposedinside of a mirror casing of said lighted exterior rearview mirrorassembly and said outboard end of said light piping element is disposedoutside of said mirror casing.
 15. The lighted exterior rearview mirrorsystem of claim 14, wherein said light piping element is part of a coverelement that is disposed in front of said illumination sources, wherebylight emanating from said illumination sources passes through said lightpiping element in a forward direction and light emanating from said turnsignal indicator illumination source is guided in a sideward directionalong said light piping element.
 16. The lighted exterior rearviewmirror system of claim 15, wherein said light piping element includes aplurality of indication elements that illuminate when said turn signalindicator illumination source is activated so as to be viewable to aperson viewing said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly from thefront of the equipped vehicle.
 17. The lighted exterior rearview mirrorsystem of claim 16, wherein said light piping element includes at leastone region that is devoid of said indication elements and wherein saidat least one region is generally aligned with said illumination sourcessuch that light emanating from said illumination sources passes throughsaid at least one region of said light piping element.
 18. The lightedexterior rearview mirror system of claim 14, wherein said light modulecomprises a heat dissipating structure established at said plurality ofillumination sources to dissipate heat generated by said plurality ofillumination sources.
 19. A lighted exterior rearview mirror systemsuitable for use in a vehicle, said lighted exterior rearview mirrorsystem comprising: a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly; a lightmodule disposed at said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly, saidlight module comprising a plurality of illumination sources operable toemit light at least in a generally forwardly direction with respect to avehicle equipped with said lighted exterior rearview mirror system;wherein said plurality of illumination sources comprises at least fourlight emitting diodes; wherein said illumination sources are controlledresponsive to a user input operable by a driver of the equipped vehiclenormally operating the equipped vehicle to provide an illumination beamemanating from said exterior rearview mirror assembly; wherein saidlight module further comprises at least one turn signal indicatorillumination source and wherein said turn signal indicator illuminationsource, at least responsive to an activation of a turn signal by thedriver of the equipped vehicle, is operable to emit light at least in agenerally sidewardly and rearwardly direction with respect to theequipped vehicle; wherein said light module comprises a light pipingelement and wherein said turn signal indicator illumination source isdisposed at an inboard end of said light piping element and wherein saidlight piping element guides light emanating from said turn signalindicator illumination source along said light piping element and out anoutboard end of said light piping element so that light emanating fromsaid outboard end of said light piping element is viewable to a personviewing said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly from at least oneof a side of the equipped vehicle and a rear of the equipped vehicle;wherein said light piping element is disposed in front of saidillumination sources, whereby light emanating from said illuminationsources passes through said light piping element in a forward directionand light emanating from said turn signal indicator illumination sourceis guided in a sideward direction along said light piping element,wherein said light piping element includes a plurality of indicationelements that illuminate when said turn signal indicator illuminationsource is activated so as to be viewable to a person viewing saidlighted exterior rearview mirror assembly from the front of the equippedvehicle, and wherein said light piping element includes at least oneregion that is devoid of said indication elements and wherein said atleast one region is generally aligned with said illumination sourcessuch that light emanating from said illumination sources passes throughsaid at least one region of said light piping element; and wherein saidinboard end of said light piping element is disposed inside of a mirrorcasing of said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly and saidoutboard end of said light piping element is disposed outside of saidmirror casing.
 20. The lighted exterior rearview mirror system of claim19, wherein said plurality of indication elements comprises a pluralityof ribs that protrude at least partially into the path of illuminationof said light piping element.
 21. The lighted exterior rearview mirrorsystem of claim 19, wherein said light module comprises alight-transmitting cover and wherein said plurality of illuminationsources and said turn signal indicator illumination source are disposedbehind said light-transmitting cover and operable to emit light thatpasses through said light-transmitting cover.
 22. The lighted exteriorrearview mirror system of claim 19, wherein said light module comprisesa heat dissipating structure established at said plurality ofillumination sources to dissipate heat generated by said plurality ofillumination sources.